The development of beta-cell mass: recent progress and potential role of GLP-1

DA Stoffers - Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2004 - thieme-connect.com
Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2004thieme-connect.com
Over the last decade, remarkable strides in incretin hormone biology have laid the
foundation for our more recent appreciation that GLP-1 not only regulates mature β-cell
function but also critically regulates β-cell differentiation, β-cell proliferation and β-cell
survival. Dysregulated β-cell growth and function are central to the pathophysiology of both
type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Thus, GLP-1 receptor agonists are being intensively developed
for the treatment of human diabetes and are likely to become available to clinical use in the …
Abstract
Over the last decade, remarkable strides in incretin hormone biology have laid the foundation for our more recent appreciation that GLP-1 not only regulates mature β-cell function but also critically regulates β-cell differentiation, β-cell proliferation and β-cell survival. Dysregulated β-cell growth and function are central to the pathophysiology of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Thus, GLP-1 receptor agonists are being intensively developed for the treatment of human diabetes and are likely to become available to clinical use in the near future. A general overview of β-cell development will be provided, with particular emphasis on recent contributions to our understanding of pancreas and islet development during the embryonic, fetal and neonatal periods. The transcriptional hierarchy and extracellular signals governing events during these periods will be highlighted. Evidence suggesting a role for endogenous GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor during β-cell development will be reviewed. Finally, the therapeutic potential for intervention with GLP1 receptor agonists during the neonatal period will be discussed.
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